NEW YORK — The NBA will review accusations by former
referee Tim Donaghy that were posted online – even though the publisher is
blowing the whistle on the book they were to appear in.
Random House said Thursday it won't go forward with the
tell-all Donaghy wrote in prison.
"After a close legal review of the final manuscript of
"Blowing the Whistle" by Tim Donaghy, and our independent evaluation of some of
the author's sources and statements, Triumph Books and Random House have decided
not to go forward with the book's publication," spokesman Stuart Applebaum said
in a statement. "Our decision is wholly our own and was made without
consultation with any outside parties or individuals."
Still, the NBA said the allegations that appeared on the
Web site deadspin.com will be forwarded to Lawrence B. Pedowitz, who conducted
the review of the officiating program following the Donaghy gambling scandal
that rocked the league in 2007.
"As with all allegations concerning the integrity of our
officiating program, these latest assertions by Mr. Donaghy will be turned over
to Mr. Pedowitz for a complete review," senior vice president of communications
Elizabeth Ventura said.
The league also said it has been reassured that the
Pedowitz investigation, which was completed last fall, found Donaghy to be the
only official involved in criminal conduct.
Donaghy admitted taking cash payoffs from gamblers for
picks on games, including ones he officiated. He was sentenced to 15 months for
conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through
interstate commerce.
He worked on the book in prison. The excerpts include
accusations of wagering between officials working games, favoritism toward star
players, and desires by the league to extend playoff series. Donaghy, who
already made similar allegations during court proceedings, also criticizes a
number of referees, including Dick Bavetta, Tommy Nunez and Steve Javie, of
misconduct.
The referees say they are disappointed but not surprised
by their former colleague's actions.
"This continues to be the Tim that we know," referees
union spokesman Lloyd Pierson said. "He repeatedly attempts to highlight himself
in the media, but the 59 NBA referees will continue to officiate games with the
utmost integrity and the focus will remain on the 2009-2010 NBA season."
AP National Writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed
to this report.